Jim Rose, Renowned Commercials Director
Rose was a major figure in the world of commercials, and alsop helped to create an enduring image of Salvador Dalí by photographer Philippe Halsman.
Jim Rose, an award-winning director of television commercials, died September 8, 2011, in Los Angeles. He was 84.
According to news reports, Rose passed away following a lengthy illness.
Rose was a partner in Rose-Magwood Productions, which he formed in the early 1960s with partner Howard Magwood. The company created many memorable commercials, including the first singing Budweiser commercials, television spots for Viceroy and Old Gold cigarettes, Harris & Frank with Joe Namath and all of the Aurora “Skittle” game commercials starring Don Adams.
Later, with producing partner Joan Mellini-Renfrow, Rose directed commercials for International Health Clubs with Raquel Welch, Farrah Fawcett and Victoria Principal. He also directed spots for pitchman Ron Popeil’s GLH Formula 9 Hair Care, the Pasta Maker and the Showtime Rotisserie.
Before turning to commercials, the Brooklyn native was an assistant to photographer Philippe Halsman and helped create “Dali Atomicus,” Halsman’s famous photograph of artist Salvador Dali surrounded by a chair, water, an easel and live cats suspended in midair.
Rose continued directing television commercials and infomercials even after a heart and kidney transplant a decade ago until he retired several years ago.
He is survived by a brother, two daughters, a grandson, two granddaughters and a nephew.w